Mercyhurst Athletics

ERIE, Pa. -- Mercyhurst College is bursting with energy as four more teams kicked off the 2010 season today with men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball and field hockey all officially starting their preseason camps.

The four teams will spend the next three week sharpening their skills in anticipation of the season openers.  Men's soccer kicks off the campaign on Friday, September 1 with a 4 p.m. clash against Seton Hill while women's soccer defends the Mercyhurst Soccer Field the following day against West Virginia Tech at 1 p.m.  Volleyball, celebrating its 40th season of competition, also opens its schedule on Labor Day weekend as it travels to the Ferris State Tournament.  Field Hockey kicks off 2010 on the road at American International on Sept. 4 before returning home a week later to host Millersville.

The excitement of the 2010 season will continue to build this week as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is scheduled to release its annual preseason coaches' polls for the above sports.  The women's soccer poll will be released on Aug. 19 while the men's soccer poll will be released on Aug. 20.  Volleyball fans can tune in on Aug. 23 to find out where the Lakers will be ranked, and field hockey fans should visit hurstathletics.com on Aug. 24.

To view a photo gallery of today's opening practices, please click here.